Donelson Lake is a lake in Montana, near Carbon County.
Donelson Lake is a lake in Carbon County, Montana.
Without a dependable size figure for Donelson Lake, weeds, rock, water color, and nearby depth are the best starting clues.
Along the sunny side of a small island, the fish mix here is not confirmed, so check fresh local information before choosing a target or keeping a catch.
Around the inside edge of the first drop, begin with one slow bottom presentation and one moving bait, then let bites show whether fish are holding close to cover or roaming open water.
Across the narrow end of a broad flat, make one shallow pass and one deeper pass on the same shoreline; that shows whether fish are tight to cover or using the first break.
Along the weed line of a rocky point, early in the year, protected water and the first warm afternoon can be the best clues; as the water heats up, check deeper edges without assuming every fish is on the bottom; cooling fall water often makes points and firm banks useful again.
Beside the narrow end of a deep bend, a medium spinning rod, 8-pound line, a small box of jigs, a few crankbaits, and a simple bottom rig cover most situations; change depth or speed before changing every piece of tackle.
Across the inside edge of a small bay, record the wind, water color, water depth at the strike, and cover after a bite; those four notes are more useful on the next trip than a long list of spots that did not produce.
Explore nearby waters, including local Featured destinations. Check each page for access and fishing restrictions.
Distances are straight-line estimates between mapped water locations.